Current Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Internal/Employee and Leadership Communication Research

The students are expected to assist with ongoing internal communication projects at the Internal Communication Research Hub (ICRH) by searching for relevant literature and cases related to internal communication, leadership communication and employee engagement; supporting the development of research presentations, reports, and publications; and/or contributing to the management of the ICRH digital communication channels, ensuring up-to-date and engaging research-related content. Based on individual interests and performance evaluations, students may be invited to join the ICRH as Undergraduate Research Fellows. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in exclusive thought-leader industry events and network with global leaders in corporate communication. This role offers an excellent opportunity for students passionate about public relations, internal communication, and workplace culture to gain valuable, hands-on experience in a collaborative and dynamic research environment.

Professor: Dr. Rita Men

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours/wk

Compensation: Either credit or volunteer

Number of students needed: 2

How to Apply: Submit a resume and a statement of interest to Dr. Rita Men at rmen@ufl.edu.

Who is a good listener? Effects of anthropomorphic chatbots on self-disclosure and mental well-being

This project examines how different chatbot features (voice/text, human-like/robot-like appearance, personality) affect users’ willingness to share personal information and their mental well-being. RAs will assist with content analysis of conversation data between users and chatbots.

Professor: Dr. Jinping Wang

Time Commitment: 40 hours total over Spring semester (approximately 4-5 hours per week)

Compensation: $15/hour

Number of students needed: 2

How to Apply: Please send a resume and brief statement of interest to jinping.wang@ufl.edu

The position starts February 2024. Students with experience or interest in human-computer interaction, mental health communication, or content analysis are especially encouraged to apply.

Cancer-Related Information from Social Media Influencers

This research project examines cancer-related information shared by social media influencers. Our team will explore the role of social media influencers as sources of cancer communication, providing health information and social support to cancer survivors. To achieve this, we will analyze cancer-related content in social media posts from influencers.

Professor: Dr. Jiawei Liu

Time Commitment: 5 hours per credit hour (maximum 3 credit hours)

Compensation: Earn credit for ADV 4910 (Advertising Undergraduate Research)

How to Apply:  Please email your resume, schedule, and any questions to jiaweiliu@ufl.edu

Students with experience or interest in health communication, social media, or content analysis are especially encouraged to apply.

Rural x AI + Policy Fellowship

Students can gain hands-on experience developing and implementing outreach programming related to this semester’s theme: Water & Data. 

Professor: Dr. Jasmine McNealy

Time Commitment: 6-10 hours/wk

Compensation: Stipend 

Number of students needed: 2-3

How to Apply:  Refer to the details here and complete the form at the bottom of the page: UF Gulf Scholars Program

Getting Around: Talking About Public and Private Transportation

This research project investigates strategic messaging around public transportation, policies and preferences for personal automobiles, and city design. In particular, the focus is on what message appeals are being used by policymakers, businesses, advocacy groups, and activists when they engage in public conversations about how people commute, and how urban, suburban, and rural spaces are designed in the U.S. A recent example is the debate over, and recent implementation of, congestion pricing in New York City. We will also examine how different audiences of citizens and consumers respond to these messages and to larger conversations around urban mobility. You will be supervised by Dr. Benjamin Johnson and have contact with each stage of the research process. You will learn about theory and hypothesizing, survey and experimental methods, statistical analysis, and academic writing.

The project has weekly in-person meetings, Tuesdays 11:45am-12:35pm. The time commitment is 5 hours per credit hour (maximum 3 credit hours), and the project will be completed by April 2025.

Professor: Dr. Benjamin Johnson

Time Commitment: 1 hour weekly meetings and 5 hours per credit hour (maximum 3 credit hours)

Compensation: ADV4910 (Advertising Undergraduate Research), 1-3 credits

Number of students needed: 3-5

How to Apply:  Please email your resume and any questions to benjaminkjohnson@ufl.edu.

Climate & Technology: Doom & Optimism

This research project examines several aspects of how media users respond to news and information about climate change, extreme weather, and emergencies. Areas of focus include responses to AI-generated information, fixation on negative news through doomscrolling, and differences between people in their approach versus avoidance of news about climate and weather. You will be supervised by Dr. Benjamin Johnson, earn credit for ADV4910 (Advertising Undergraduate Research), and have contact with each stage of the research process. You will learn about theory and hypothesizing; interview, survey, or experimental methods; statistical analysis; and academic writing.

The project has weekly in-person meetings, Thursdays 12:50-1:40pm. The time commitment is 5 hours per credit hour (maximum 3 credit hours), and the project will be completed by April 2025.

Professor: Dr. Benjamin Johnson

Time Commitment: 1 hour weekly meetings and 5 hours per credit hour (maximum 3 credit hours)

Compensation: ADV4910 (Advertising Undergraduate Research), 1-3 credits

Number of students needed: 3-5

How to Apply:  Please email your resume and any questions to benjaminkjohnson@ufl.edu.